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Franzi | Games
Franzi | Games 
How does basketball work?
Basketball – a fast-paced game full of excitement, team spirit, and spectacular shots. But what exactly lies behind the rules and the principles of this globally popular sport?
approx. 3 min.
How does basketball work?
Going for the three!
From explosive dunks to nail-biting one-on-ones, basketball is pure adrenaline. The premise is simple: two teams battle to put the ball through the hoop using strategic passing and sharp shooting to secure a victory. But how does the game unfold in detail?
But how does the sport actually work?
How do you play basketball?
- The primary goal is straightforward: finish the game with more points than your opponent.
- To get things moving, the game kicks off with a jump ball right at the center of the court.
- When a team is on offense, they use a combination of dribbling, passing, and shooting to find a way to score.
- On the flip side, the defending team focuses on disrupting the flow, trying to steal the ball, block shots, or pressure the attackers into a mistake.
- A fast break happens when a team quickly transitions from defense to offense to catch the opponent off guard.
- The 'pick and roll' is a fundamental tactical play where one player creates a barrier (a screen) to open up a scoring opportunity for a teammate.
- A rebound occurs when a player successfully grabs the ball after a shot fails to go into the hoop.
Basketball rules
Game lengths vary by league: the NBA plays four 12-minute quarters, whereas FIBA international games are structured as four 10-minute quarters.
The game is played between two opposing sides, with each team fielding five players on the court at any given time.
There are:
- 1 point for a free throw
- Any standard shot made from inside the three-point arc earns the team 2 points.
- If a player successfully shoots from beyond the three-point line, they are awarded 3 points.
Teams are under a time constraint; they have exactly 24 seconds to attempt a shot during an offensive possession.
Once a player stops dribbling, they cannot take more than two steps without risking a travel violation.
A player cannot start dribbling again after they have already stopped and held the ball.
The game prohibits aggressive physical contact, such as shoving or holding. In FIBA, a player is disqualified after five fouls, while in the NBA, the limit is six.
Once the ball is clearly on its way down toward the basket, it is considered 'interference' if a player touches it.
Mark your calendars for the biggest basketball highlights coming in 2025
- NBA Finals (June 2025) – The ultimate clash to determine the champion of North America's premier professional league.
- EuroBasket 2025 (August/September 2025) – Europe's top national teams compete for continental glory in this FIBA event.
- WNBA Finals (October 2025) – The season finale for the most prestigious women's professional league in the world.
- Basketball Champions League Final Four (May 2025) – The high-stakes concluding tournament for Europe's elite club teams.
Our betting offers
Feel like you've mastered the basics? It's time to put that knowledge to the test! Explore the extensive basketball markets at MERKUR BETS and back your favorite team today.
Our betting portfolio at MERKUR BETS offers you bets on numerous basketball games – so check it out and place your wager on your favorite!
With an 'Over/Under' bet, you're predicting the combined total score of both teams throughout the match.
A handicap bet involves giving one team a virtual head start (or deficit) to level the playing field.
